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Lexus to Add Three-Row Crossover in 2016?

Posted by Kevin on April 28th, 2014

Mark Rechtin of Automotive News recently spoke with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken about adding a three-row seven-seat crossover to the Lexus lineup:

“Third-row seating is the No. 1 issue we hear from dealers,” Lexus Division chief Jeff Bracken said at the auto show here. “We feel like we’re missing a 35,000-units-a-year opportunity. We’re working hard to rectify that.”

“It could be any number of solutions,” Bracken said. “We could bring it to market in 2016 or 2017. If we can get it, that’s the priority. We won’t be bothered if it steps on RX. We want it.”

How a seven-seat crossover fits into the lineup is a puzzle — the newly introduced NX is 5.5 inches shorter than the current RX, but rear legroom and trunk space are near identical.

The next-generation RX will likely grow in both exterior size and interior space, but will Lexus transform their best-selling vehicle by adding a third row? Will Lexus offer the RX in both five-seat & seven seat configurations?

Replacing the GX with a new crossover model has been long rumored, but the Automotive News story throws some cold water on the idea:

Lexus has a seven-seat SUV — the GX 460 — but it is a body-on-frame SUV with a trucklike ride. There has been speculation that a car-based seven-seat crossover would reduce the need for the GX 460, but a Lexus source said the GX 460 is highly profitable for the automaker, even at low volumes.

Read the full Automotive News story (Text Mirror)

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    BlackDyanmiteOnline
  • April 28, 2014
Sounds like Lexus is happy with the revised GX's sales, and will offer a larger crossover to stand along side of the GX, or maybe to sit over the GX in the lineup, at about $60k, which is where the Mercedes GL runs the class. I said a decade ago that Lexus should make the HPX Concept that I saw at the new York Auto Show in 2003. But they didn't listen to me. Somebody knew better...... BD
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      FooFoo
    • April 28, 2014
    I see the HPX look like a Venza. It might not be success due to its wagon-style.
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      BlackDyanmiteOnline
    • April 28, 2014
    Again, this was 10 years ago, when no one had anything like it. And it's much bigger in person than it looks in pics. It would've evolved a lot over the last decade.... BD
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    FooFoo
  • April 28, 2014
They would offer the third row option for the RX to address selling point for the RX.
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    leopard08
  • April 28, 2014
The GX does not drive like a truck, my gosh this writer! 2. the GX is one of the sucsess storie for lexus in the middle east and Russia. I dont see why they should kill a capable car like the GX. having a unibody SUV in your yard is having nothing. I believe ppl will come around one day and start to see the GX is the car they must have. Lexus must just never kill it off
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    DillonD
  • April 28, 2014
I really want to see the RX stay the same size (maybe grow a little) and Lexus create a three-row crossover with a different name (TX, VX, etc). It would probably sell just fine alongside the GX because it gives consumers two options: SUV-like three row vehicle or a crossover-like three-row vehicle. Adding a third row to the RX may kill its popularity.
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      wasapasserby
    • April 28, 2014
    Both the X5 and MDX offer a (cramped) third row. Lexus could do the same if the RX grew.
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    corradoMR2
  • April 28, 2014
With the NX having almost the same interior space and cargo as the current RX, it seems inevitable for the RX to grow. How much bigger can a 5-seat crossover be, unless it becomes (or at least offers) a third row? I would not be surprised if the 4RX would now match the Highlander's wheelbase of 109.8 in, be a 7-passenger model, and have a similar 191 in length. The NX will compete against the Q5, X3, RDX, while the RX will be more precisely slotted against the X5, M, QX60, and MDX.
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      Rayaans
    • April 29, 2014
    Unless the RX grows very slightly but is supposed to have more of a premium feel to it compared to the NX. That could also be a possibility
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      Foo Foo
    • April 30, 2014
    The RX has grown and should be ready for road testing by now. This is just a planned marketing communication.
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    LexMan
  • April 28, 2014
That might be THE thing at Europe where we don't have GX and LX. We don't have even a third part what BWM, Audi or Merc- Benz has.
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    BlackDyanmiteOnline
  • April 28, 2014
The problem is if you want to make a 7-passenger RX, that will be $50k. Then the GX will have to go to $60k, and being based on the 4Runner, there is only so much you can charge for a 4Runner derivative. And a BOF SUV will not be a good competitor to the Mercedes GL. BD
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    Lasse J. Nordvik
  • April 28, 2014
Perhaps offering the next RX in two wheel bases would be an idea (the longer to accommodate a third row with usable leg room)?
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    tonio
  • April 29, 2014
I've owned 3 RX's and believe it should remain the same size. Its already a great vehicle. All they need to do is offer more options to beat the competitors. Examples active blind spot and all the other cool features you find on an Audi Q5 and BMW. I've been waiting for the next GEN. RX hopefully 2016-- however kinda liking the look and sporty feel of the smaller NX. Make the F-sport model more unique to attract young male buyers. More aggressive, different engine/ More tech/ bigger Nav Screen.
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    Valeska
  • July 7, 2014
I am a mother of 3 children. Can't wait to get the 7 passenger RX Hybrid.
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    Kev
  • July 21, 2014
Could anyone advise when the all new RX will be released ? Im looking to sell my 2012 model to avoid huge loss of sale :) thanksss
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      NVlaar
    • November 24, 2014
    2016 or 17 I guess

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